NHRC slams Centre, state govts

 The government cannot leave its citizens to die inhaling toxic gas, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said on Thursday as it castigated authorities for not taking proper steps to tackle pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

In a strongly worded statement, the NHRC said there is an "immediate need" for effective action by the central and the state agencies for proper implementation of environmental laws.

Seeking a detailed report within two weeks from three central ministries and state governments of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, the NHRC said there is a need for an effective study by experts and proper implementation of their recommendations, including short-term and long-term measures.

The commission has asked the health secretary to provide details about the preparedness of government hospitals and other agencies to attend to people affected by pollution and steps taken to create awareness among the public at large.

"It is apparent that the authorities concerned have not taken proper steps throughout the year to tackle this hazard, which is amounting to the violation of the Right to Life and Health...The state cannot leave its citizens to die due to the toxic haze," the NHRC said.

The toxic smog in Delhi has become an annual health hazard, particularly, at a time when the winters are about to start, the commission added.